The season is not over yet for the Saint Ignatius varsity golf team.

The Wildcats clinched a spot in the State Tournament this weekend, as the men of Brian Becker '77 posted a clutch effort at the District Tournament on Monday.

The Golf Cats earned third place at Pine Hills against some of Northeast Ohio's best, claiming a spot at States with a team score of 307.

It was the young guns who led the Wildcats to victory. Freshman Topher Reed, as he has done all season, wowed spectators with a special performance for a freshman. Reed tallied a score of 76, tied for tops on the team. Sophomore Nick Longano broke out for an identical score of 76, helping to secure the berth to States.  

Ross Williamson nipped at the duo's heels all day. In the end, the junior turned in a 77, good for third on the team. Fellow junior Andrew Kaye also competed hard, penciling in a 78 on the day. Jake Moraca rounded out the squad, as the senior carded an 80. 

The Wildcats' team tally of 307 stood behind only two teams – Massillon Jackson and Archbishop Hoban. The Polar Bears claimed the district title with a 302 and the Knights edged the Wildcats with a tally of 305. Walsh Jesuit claimed the final bid to States with a 308. 

The four teams will compete against the best in the state next weekend. The Wildcats will battle for the State Championship at the Scarlet Course at The Ohio State University on Friday, October 19 and on Saturday, October 20. 

The Wildcats last won the state title in 2002, a repeat effort from 2001. The Golf Cats finished as the runners-up in 2010. 

Here are the full team scores from yesterday's District Tourney (qualifiers in italics):

Jackson, 302
Archbishop Hoban, 305
Saint Ignatius, 307
Walsh Jesuit, 308
Medina, 312
Green, 313
Stow, 314
Hudson, 319
Strongsville, 320
Mayfield, 320
Highland, 321
GlenOak, 327
University School, 327
Mentor, 328
Brunswick, 328
Lake Catholic, 331
St. Edward, 331
Marlington, 332
North Royalton, 350